Dec 13 2024
Today we traveled from Brasov to Sinaia to visit Peles castle before our return to Bucharest. Peles was the summer residence of Romania royal family (1866 to 1947).
Our guide have us a great overview of the short history of the Romanian monarchy. There were a total of 4 kings, all of German origin.
Carol 1 (German prince) modernized country. Built Peles. 1866 to 1914 reigned. He and his wife, an English princess had only one daughter who died of scarlet fever at age 4. Carol’s nephew l, Fwrdinand, was selected as the heir to the throne. Ferdinand chose Marie as his wife. She had quite an impact on the country and may be better known than her husband. They had six kids maybe not all were his as she had many lovers.
WWII against Germany. Lost Moldova and another territory (to Ukraine).
Ferdinand’s son Carol II was the third king of Romania and was an inept ruler. Eventually his son Michael took over at age 19. WWII allied w Germany at first (Germany wanted Romanian oil) but later allied with Russia. Michael was exiled from a Romania after WW II by the communists. He lived and died in Switzerland in 2017. His remains were brought back to Romania.
Sinaia, located in the Bucegi Mountains in Transylvania, was originally established as a summer resort when King Carol I built his grand summer retreat at Peles Castle. Sinaia is now a winter destination for skiers.
Beautiful 19th century homes and hotels line the main road, all primarily German neo-renaissance style. There is a train station. Twice a year then famous Orient Express stops in Sinaia.
The only thing that existed when King Carol bought his land in Sinaia was the monastery of the same name. The construction of his palace started in 1873 and took 10 years. It is over the top with massive wood, stained glass windows, gold overlay and many many rooms. Our tour only covered a few rooms – Honorary Hallway, Armoury Room, Reception room, King and Queens office, sitting room and library with a secret passage to Kings bedroom. There was even two “Oriental” rooms in Ottoman style. Our guide was able to get us in ahead of other massive groups. We walked right in to the palace with little wait. She said during the summer the line wraps down to the parking lot and can take as long as three hours. A benefit of off season travel and a guided tour.
We all had lunch in town before heading back to Bucharest. I enjoyed the bus travel, had my own seat and no responsibilities. Our groups final dinner was held in a lovely historic restaurant located next to the Syrian embassy in Bucharest. Most people left the next day. I had one extra day in Bucharest before my flight on the 15th.